“This is a God-level humanitarian mission”: A Cuban reveals what it cost her to pack everything her family needed in Cuba

A Cuban woman documents her trip to Cuba on TikTok, where she personally brought essential items to her family due to the difficulties in sending packages to the country. Her experience reflects a common phenomenon.

Trip to CubaPhoto © @zulie633 / TikTok

“A short trip to Cuba, but well utilized,” confessed user Zulie on TikTok, after documenting her personal odyssey to bring aid and supplies to her relatives on the island.

With two packed suitcases and the determination of someone who no longer trusts shipments, a Cuban living abroad decided to personally take everything she had pending for her family to Cuba. "I had so much to send that in the end I said: you know what? I'm going myself," she shared in her video.

The meticulous packing process was described with humor and resignation: “Packing is like a puzzle that no university can teach you. Only trips to Cuba.”

Among the mentioned items were deodorants, underwear, toothbrushes, and even Amazon packages that continued to arrive at the last minute. "Activated as a logistics engineer, packing with millimeter precision," he recounted with a laugh.

But behind the logistics and the effort, the motivation was clear: family. “This is a God-level humanitarian mission… with a heart full of joy and the desire to see my family,” concluded the young woman, who also hinted that she had a big surprise to reveal in another video: “something I haven't told you yet, but that will be for a future video.”

In times when sending packages to Cuba has become more difficult and expensive, many Cubans choose to travel and personally take what their loved ones need. This phenomenon is increasingly common amid the crisis the country is experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Packages to Cuba

Why do Cubans abroad prefer to bring items to Cuba personally?

Many Cubans abroad prefer to personally bring items to Cuba due to the difficulty and cost of sending packages. Furthermore, direct contact ensures that the products reach their loved ones without issues. The crisis and shortages on the island make this method more reliable and effective for those who wish to assist their families.

What types of items are commonly included in shipments to Cuba from abroad?

Shipments to Cuba often include essential items such as food, medicine, and personal hygiene products. Clothing, footwear, and hygiene products that are hard to obtain on the island are also sent. These items not only help meet basic needs but also represent a gesture of love and support towards the family members who remain in Cuba.

What are the challenges when preparing packages for Cuba?

Preparing packages for Cuba presents challenges such as weight and space restrictions, as well as the need to prioritize which items to send due to these limitations. Cubans abroad must make difficult decisions about what to include in each shipment, considering both urgent needs and the weight allowance permitted by airlines.

What motivates Cubans abroad to send packages to their relatives on the island?

The main motivation for sending packages to Cuba is love and the desire to help family members facing a situation of scarcity and economic difficulties. Through these shipments, Cubans abroad seek to alleviate the hardships of their loved ones and maintain an emotional connection despite the distance.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.